Sunderland AFC season card holders are being invited to a special event as the end of the discounted season card period draws to a close.

Over 21,000 fans have so far committed to a 2018-19 season card at specially reduced prices, which end on Friday 20 July. In recognition of their support, they are now being given the chance to be amongst the first to get their hands on the club’s new home kit.

The new kit will go on sale exclusively to 2018-19 season card holders only, at 3pm on Friday 20 July, at the stadium store. Any season card holder who buys a shirt is then invited to enjoy free entry in to a huge on-site funfair, with complimentary rides and a range of outlets serving discounted food and drinks.

A stage within the grounds of the funfair is to host live music, featuring popular local musicians including Futureheads star Barry Hyde, Roxy Girls and YUMA. Sunderland AFC chairman Stewart Donald and manager Jack Ross will be joining event host Frankie Francis, of Frankie and the Heartstrings fame, on stage during the afternoon and early evening.

The funfair features rides such as dodgems, waltzers, carousel and tea cups. Added to this is are bungee trampolines, inflatables and traditional games for all ages. There will also be face painting available for young supporters.

Mascots Samson and Delilah will be on hand to entertain the crowds. The event will close at 8pm.

Speaking about the kit launch, chairman Stewart Donald said: “A lot of fans have mentioned to me that they didn’t really like last season’s kit, so hopefully by returning to a more traditional Sunderland shirt, we are going to make a lot of people very happy!

“By focusing the launch event around our season card holders, we are showing them that we will reward them and recognise their loyalty wherever we can. Their support will never be taken for granted by us and we greatly value the faith they have shown in us since we arrived at the club.

“The event coincides with the end of the school term, so we expect to see a lot of our younger season card holders and we know that many people will want to buy kits for their summer holidays. It will be a relaxed, fun event with something for everyone and I am looking forward to meeting as many season card holders as possible on the day”.

Season card holders must bring their season card with them to access the stadium store to purchase a kit. Once they have bought a kit, they will be given a wristband which will grant entry to the event and funfair. Supporters are reminded that this special early purchase period and event is available only to 2018-19 season card holders.

The home kit will be available to all supporters on Saturday 21 July, across all three stores – Stadium of Light, Debenhams, Sunderland and The Galleries, Washington.